The Maratha quota protest, led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, intensified in Mumbai on Monday as the sit-in at Azad Maidan entered its fourth day. Patil escalated his indefinite hunger strike by declaring he would stop drinking water. An estimated 35,000–45,000 supporters have gathered, causing severe traffic snarls and disruptions to bus services near CSMT. Despite repeated meetings, the Maharashtra Cabinet sub-committee has made no progress, prompting Patil to harden his stance. Traffic diversions remain in place across South Mumbai, with Marine Drive, DN Road and P D’Mello Road worst affected. While train services are running, crowding is reported at CSMT and adjoining stations. Security has been stepped up with RPF and GRP personnel deployed. Educational institutions around Fort have switched to online classes. CM Devendra Fadnavis said the government was committed to the issue but could not move against constitutional provisions.

12:00 (IST) Sep 01 Mumbai Maratha Quota Protest News Live Updates: Maratha activists stage a protest at Azad Maidan (Video) — ians_india (@ians_india) 11:56 (IST) Sep 01 Mumbai Maratha Quota Protest News Live: ‘Businesses are being affected’, says Viren Shah On the Maratha reservation issue, Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association, President Viren Shah says, “The Maratha reservation protest, which has been ongoing at Azad Maidan for nearly four days, is growing in numbers each day. While it is their right to protest, as traders, we also have a duty to highlight that our businesses are being affected. As the protest intensifies and more people take to the streets, it is causing significant inconvenience, for people trying to travel from one place to another.” 11:52 (IST) Sep 01 Mumbai gridlock: Protesters camp, cook, urinate on streets; BMC scales up services With the CSMT area lined with protestors and their vehicles, weekend sales in the commercial hubs around Crawford Market took a beating as festival shoppers stayed away in fear. A motorist posted how his car was blocked by a mob near CSMT that banged on the bonnet and windows while raising slogans. READ FULL STORY 11:32 (IST) Sep 01 Mumbai Maratha Quota Protest News Live: Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil urged the protestors to remain inside Azad Maidan Revenue minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who heads the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservations, urged protesters to stay within Azad Maidan and avoid causing inconvenience to the public. 11:29 (IST) Sep 01 Mumbai Maratha Protest Live: A massive crowd has gathered at CSMT station (Video) — ians_india (@ians_india) 11:23 (IST) Sep 01 Maratha Quota Stir Live: Images show protestors readiness for long-haul stir Image Credit: TOI 11:21 (IST) Sep 01 The government should urgently call an all-party meeting on this. There needs to be dialogue. The government should have been more proactive, as Jarange had announced his agitation a while ago: NCP SP MP Supriya Sule 11:20 (IST) Sep 01 Maratha Quota Stir Live: Traffic disruptions across South Mumbai Roads near CSMT shut, with diversions on Marine Drive, JJ Marg and DN Road. Eastern Freeway traffic may be rerouted. 11:19 (IST) Sep 01 Mumbai Maratha Protest Live: Schools, colleges switch to online classes Institutions in Fort, including St Xavier’s College and Cathedral & John Connon, switched to online classes. 11:18 (IST) Sep 01 Mumbai Maratha Quota Protest: Bus services hit outside CSMT Some BEST buses suspended, others delayed due to congestion and road closures in Fort area.

The Maratha quota protest in Mumbai entered its fourth day on Monday, with thousands of agitators continuing their sit-in at Azad Maidan, paralysing traffic across South Mumbai. Led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, the protest has drawn 35,000–45,000 people since Thursday, who arrived in over 650 vehicles parked around Azad Maidan, Hutatma Chowk and P D’Mello Road.On Monday, Patil escalated his agitation by announcing he would stop drinking water while continuing his indefinite hunger strike.

“Till Marathas get reservation under the OBC quota, we will not leave Mumbai,” he said, urging followers to remain peaceful and avoid paying money to middlemen.The Maharashtra Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation, led by minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, met on Sunday but failed to reach a breakthrough.

CM Devendra Fadnavis reiterated that the government was committed to addressing community concerns but could not act against the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Mumbai witnessed severe traffic disruptions, particularly outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), where some bus services were suspended. Heavy congestion was reported on Marine Drive, P D’Mello Road, DN Road and JJ Marg, prompting the traffic police to issue advisories and divert vehicles. The Eastern Freeway too faced intermittent diversions.

Suburban and intercity train services remained operational but were crowded due to large gatherings around stations.

Schools and colleges in Fort, including St Xavier’s College and Cathedral and John Connon School, shifted to online classes. Protestors also attempted to barge into the Cricket Club of India (CCI) premises, prompting tighter checks. Authorities appealed for calm even as Patil vowed to intensify the stir until demands are met.